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Board approves alternative calendar; trustees debated Thanksgiving break and at‑risk student supports
Summary
Trustees approved an alternative school-calendar schedule for 2026–27 that changes start/end dates and breaks; discussion centered on whether a three‑day or five‑day Thanksgiving break best serves at‑risk students and community needs.
The Sweetwater County School District No. 1 board on March 10 approved an alternative calendar for all in‑town schools, Desert School and Farson‑Eden for the 2026–27 school year after a public discussion and review of survey results from staff, students, parents and the community.
Board members reviewed survey data presented at the meeting showing differing preferences across stakeholder groups: staff and students leaned toward a five‑day Thanksgiving break, parents were nearly evenly split, and the small number of community respondents slightly favored a three‑day break. Board members highlighted that the proportion of responses varied across groups and cautioned about weighting a small community sample against larger staff and parent responses.
Trustees focused on potential impacts to students who face food insecurity during extended breaks. The board referenced a summary from Annie Fletcher, the district’s at‑risk coordinator: "The need is present regardless of the school schedule... our families rely on these resources for support, and it's important that we are informing them about the options," the summary said, noting school pantries, backpack programs, soup kitchens and the food bank as community resources.
Board discussion emphasized the district’s role connecting families to community resources and acknowledged that some schools already run successful backpack and pantry programs while others have less capacity. Trustees said they will continue to coordinate with community partners to address gaps in food and other supports.
The board approved the calendar change by motion (moved by Mr. Gardner, seconded by Miss Schumacher). No changes to start/end times or the district’s four‑day school‑week policy were made at the March 10 meeting; trustees said those items will be discussed separately if needed.
The board chair thanked participants in the survey process and encouraged continued community dialogue as the district implements the approved calendar.
